Hsueh Jui-yuan (center, red tie), minister of health and welfare, attends the 13th APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy with other officials Aug. 3-6 in Seattle. (Courtesy of Ministry of Health and Welfare)
 

Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan represented Taiwan during discussions on forging adaptable health systems to respond to challenges in the post-pandemic era at the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy August 3-6 in Seattle.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Aug. 7 that a productive dialogue took place between Taiwan and the Asia Pacific Health Coalition, focusing on the ways that public-private joint efforts can be consolidated to enhance the flexibility of health care structures. The APHC brings together 16 organizations, including life sciences and international pharmaceutical companies, all of which have a history of supporting APEC’s endeavors in health and sanitation, the MOHW said.

According to the MOHW, the APHC emphasized three issues: investment in health care; the establishment of transparent, secure processes for health insurance reimbursement; and the safeguarding of an aging population.

In response, Hsueh said that Taiwan places great importance on introducing new medicines, technology and medical equipment, and will soon implement a parallel review process to reduce waiting time for patients and institutions. He added that the ministry is also working on reforming the country’s medical system to address the challenges posed by an aging population and low birth rate.

Over the course of the meeting, several participants voiced support for Taiwan’s wider involvement in global health initiatives and applauded its pioneering achievements in digital health, the MOHW said. The ministry added that APEC’s ability to facilitate communication between countries to enable the construction of a sustainable health ecosystem will help MOHW provide Taiwan’s people with holistic care. (POC-E)